Dane Key to unofficially visit South Carolina for Kentucky game

One of Kentucky’s top football recruiting priorities will attend this week’s game as a guest of South Carolina’s Shane Beamer. Dane Key is taking an unofficial visit to Columbia to see the Cats take on the Cocks at Williams-Brice Stadium.

South Carolina this weekend 🐔🤙🏽 pic.twitter.com/8SmZSmUk3y

— Dane Key (@DaneKey12) September 22, 2021

Key is the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect from the state of Kentucky. The Frederick Douglass wide receiver is a four-star recruit, ranked as the No. 232 player in America in the On300 rankings.

This is not his first trip to Columbia. Key previously officially visited South Carolina in June, wrapping up three straight weeks of officials at Oregon and Kentucky. Last week he used his fourth official visit to see Michigan at the Big House.

Key Connection to South Carolina

South Carolina might be the Wildcats’ most difficult challenge to land the hometown kid and legacy recruit. On paper, it does not make a ton of sense, until you dig a little deeper.

By now you know Key’s father, Donte, played for the Wildcats in the early 90s. His brother, Devon, hopped on the Bluegrass Parkway to play collegiately at Western Kentucky. Devon Key ended his career as the Tops’ leading tackler in FBS play to earn a spot on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad.

Devon Key’s WKU defensive coordinator, Clayton White, is now Beamer’s defensive coordinator at South Carolina. White worked with Key for four years in Bowling Green. Even though he would not be coaching Dane’s position in Columbia, the family connection is significant.

The Start of Key’s Senior Season

Shortly after the start of high school season Key was on Kentucky’s campus to watch the season-opening win over ULM. He’s expected to be at Kroger Field before at least one more game before he makes a decision in October.

Frederick Douglass is 4-0 through its first four games with an average margin of victory of 39.3 points. The Broncos host rival Scott County tomorrow night at The Farm. Key has 14 receptions for 234 yards (16.7 yards per catch) and three touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown against Dunbar.